microscope
noun
mi·cro·scope
ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp 
1
: an optical instrument consisting of a lens or combination of lenses for making enlarged images of minute objects
especially
: compound microscope
2
: a non-optical instrument (such as one using radiations other than light or using vibrations) for making enlarged images of minute objects
an acoustic microscope
Examples of microscope in a Sentence
Students viewed the crystals through a microscope.
Recent Examples on the Web
Here’s what to know about some of the most controversial food additives under the microscope and why additives are regulated differently in the U.S.
Key ingredients banned in Europe but allowed in the U.S.
Titanium dioxide is used to make foods and beverages whiter and brighter.
—
Alana Semuels, TIME, 3 Feb. 2025
Biopsy: During a cystoscopy, the urologist may take a tissue sample from the bladder and send it to the lab for a pathologist to examine under a microscope.
—Steffini Stalos, Health, 25 Jan. 2025
After slicing and staining their samples, the researchers then slid them under a microscope to measure their growth rings, as well as their blue rings.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
Plaids were scaled up as if peered at through a microscope.
—Jacob Gallagher, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for microscope 
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Alana Semuels, TIME, 3 Feb. 2025
Biopsy: During a cystoscopy, the urologist may take a tissue sample from the bladder and send it to the lab for a pathologist to examine under a microscope.
—Steffini Stalos, Health, 25 Jan. 2025
After slicing and staining their samples, the researchers then slid them under a microscope to measure their growth rings, as well as their blue rings.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
Plaids were scaled up as if peered at through a microscope.
—Jacob Gallagher, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for microscope
Dictionary Entries Near microscope
Cite this Entry
“Microscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microscope. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
microscope
noun
mi·cro·scope
ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp
1
: an optical instrument consisting of a lens or a combination of lenses for making enlarged or magnified images of minute objects
2
: an instrument using radiation other than light for making enlarged images of very small objects
Medical Definition
microscope
noun
mi·cro·scope
ˈmī-krə-ˌskōp
1
: an optical instrument consisting of a lens or combination of lenses for making enlarged images of minute objects
2
: an instrument using radiations other than light or using vibrations for making enlarged images of minute objects
an acoustic microscope
see electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, x-ray microscope
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